Bruins look to be shorthanded vs. Rangers

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The Bruins will be a shorthanded group heading into Game 1 Thursday night against the Rangers at TD Garden.

Two of the team’s trio of ailing defensemen, Dennis Seidenberg and Andrew Ference (lower body), did not practice Wednesday. Wade Redden went on for an early spin, but left the ice and did not participate in most of the session.

Ference was on crutches and in a walking boot prior to Game 7 against the Maple Leafs Monday; he was not spotted Wednesday. Seidenberg walked through the dressing room without limitations. There was no sign of Redden after practice.

Coach Claude Julien did not disclose whether any or all of the defensemen will be available Thursday or later in the series.

“There’s injuries. There’s no hiding that fact,” Julien said. “Sometimes you can get players through those. Sometimes you can’t. Sometimes it’s better not to practice and just to play.

“We’re going to look at that situation. At the end of the day, my final roster will be decided before the game.”